Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > Monsters > S4R ~ what are they like to own?

[Steve M]

What do you think of them?

How good are they?

Would be used for a couple of TDs per year too.

Oh yeah, how do you get your right foot on the peg?

Go on chaps, convince me it would be better than a 999 (and I really, really like the 999)

[JPM]

You could always pop in to your "local" Ducati dealer and ask for a test ride.... oh they don't do them

Aren't you going to Woods at the weekend though for their BBQ?

Get a test on both

[AK]

Monster v's 999?

Cheaper to service (even less if NOT the S4R or S4)
Cheaper to fix after a trackday 'off' - as no plastic
Cheaper to insure (just about)

But - do you want all the plumbing on view? - some love it, some hate it, thats why I got an aircooled.

If ever down this way, you are more than welcome to have a test on my M1000sie - and am sure Webby would play 'ball' & bring his S4R over, so you could compare them

C

[Steve M]

Woods have said I can test them back to back if they have them in at the time ( Woods ). But I was wondering how people felt after owning one for a while - does the lack of wind protection become a pain, are they comfortable for 300 - 500 miles in a day etc.

[JPM]

Well the riding position is less extreme than a 999 so I would think comfort on your wrists would be better. I've got 2 mates who have S4R's just for getting them to and from a foreign WSB/GP round, quick enough and good for a long haul, as for wind protection I dunno.

But they do both have a 999S/996RS which they race/track day

[AK]

No probs doing 400-500 miles a day on mine (unless my back is bad, but thats not a bike prob, thats a 'me' prob )

Wind protection? - not too much of a prob, unless v high winds - but who wants to ride a bike in those conditions anyway?
Happy to still ride in a good breeze, tho have kept speed down accordingly in those conditions

Wrists can still 'feel' when doing lots of slow work around town - but again - who wants do do all that? Mucho better for A & B road riding out of the 30's & 40's.

Monsters seem more 'forgiving' in your riding than the sportsbikes I've ridden, and on occasion are happy to 'chug' if required

Good luck with a test ride

[Mr C]

Originally posted by JPM
as for wind protection I dunno.

Haa haa wind protection whats that!!!

Apart from the lack of wind protection which u soon get used to Monsters are great fun well my S4. Just had the suspension set up properly and tweaked it a bit and its a whole extra pile of fun.
Never been on an S4R but you just know you'll be grinning especially when u keep up with sports bikes

[Steve M]

C.

I know what you mean about the plumbing and I think the air cooled engines look better in a Monster, but I've only ever had 2V Ducatis so it's time for a change.

Thanks for the offer of a ride.

[LesPaul]

Originally posted by Steve M
What do you think of them?

How good are they?

Would be used for a couple of TDs per year too.

Oh yeah, how do you get your right foot on the peg?

Go on chaps, convince me it would be better than a 999 (and I really, really like the 999)

I love mine, it has plenty of power, handles, doesn't hurt your wrists/back like a sports bike.
Did the DSC trackday on mine last year and had loads of fun.
Right foot on the peg???
If you pop along to the Notts meet on Tuesday your more than welcome to try it, just U2U me first so I don't turn up on the 996

Darren

[Steve M]

Right foot.

When I sat on one, the heat shield seemed to get in the way - it still had the standard exhaust on though.